Attachment for a hair care appliance

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet. The head may be bristleless. The elongate member may be wider than the outer wall of the head. The elongate member may extend around a quarter or at least a third of the outer wall. The elongate member may extend beyond the generally tubular outer wall.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 1411929.1, filed Jul. 3, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an attachment for a hair care appliance such as a hot styling appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional hot styling appliance, air is sucked into an inlet by a fan unit and directed towards the hair by an attachment or head. Depending on the style desired, the air may or may not be heated. The head or attachment often includes bristles onto which hair is wrapped and held for styling. The air is generally blown out of the head or attachment normal to the surface of the head or attachment.

Curling irons generally have a heated portion that extends from a handle and a clamp for retaining hair. The hair is either wound round the heated portion and the clamp is used to clip the hair tips or the hair tips are clipped and then the hair is wound around the curling iron. The clip maintains the position of the hair until it is set into a curl.

Straighteners conventionally have either two generally flat heated pads that are used to clamp hair which is then tensioned whilst drying the hair or a flat pad and a bristled pad which detangles the hair whilst applying the tension and head.

In both examples the hair is heated directly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an attachment for a hot styling appliance.

Preferably, the hot styling appliance comprises a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet.

Preferably, the attachment comprises an elongate member which, when attached to the hot styling appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet. In one embodiment the elongate member is attached to the body. Alternatively, the elongate member is attached to the head either adjacent the body or at or near the distal end of the head from the body. An important feature is that the elongate member extends along the fluid outlet.

Preferably, the head is bristleless; in other words the head is unbristled or non-bristled.

Thus in one embodiment the invention provides an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a bristleless head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet.

A bristleless head is a head without bristles extending from head for engaging with hair to hold the hair and detangle the hair.

The heater is located within the body of the appliance so is inaccessible to a user. The user only contacts the fluid that exits from the appliance.

The elongate member acts as heat shield or thermal barrier; the elongate member can be positioned between the fluid outlet and the skin of a user preventing direct contact of hot fluid that exits the fluid outlet with the skin. The elongate member additionally directs fluid back towards the hair.

Preferably, the elongate member is wider than the generally tubular outer wall of the head. The elongate member extends beyond the generally tubular outer wall. The elongate member has a width that is greater than the diameter of the head. If the outer wall is non-cylindrical, the elongate member is preferably wider than the largest diameter of the outer wall.

Preferably, the elongate member extends around a quarter of the generally tubular outer wall; if the generally tubular outer wall is approximately circular, the elongate member extends about 90° of the circumference of the generally tubular outer wall. It is preferred that the elongate member extends around at least a third of the generally tubular outer wall. Thus, when the generally tubular outer wall is approximately circular, it is preferred that the elongate member extends at least 120° around the circumference of the head.

Also provided is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member extends beyond the generally tubular outer wall.

If the elongate member is arcuate, the elongate member has a greater radius of curvature than the generally tubular outer wall. The elongate member may be generally rectangular or have a flattened portion with curved sides.

It is preferred that the elongate member has a common centre with the generally tubular outer wall.

By extending beyond the generally tubular outer wall there is much reduced risk of heated fluid flowing around the edges of the elongate member and being close enough to a skin surface to cause discomfort to the user.

In a preferred embodiment the attachment further comprises a cuff which is attached to the elongate member. The cuff provides the means for attaching the attachment to the appliance body or head.

Preferably, when attached to the hot styling appliance, the elongate member has a first position with respect to the head. Preferably, in this first position the elongate member extends substantially parallel to the generally tubular outer wall of the head.

Alternatively, the first position is angled with respect to the generally tubular outer wall of the head. The elongate member can be angled towards the head or away from the head. Preferably, in the first position, the elongate member is spaced from the generally tubular outer wall of the head. It is preferred that the elongate member is substantially equally spaced from the head along the length of the fluid outlet.

Also provided is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet and is spaced from the head.

Preferably, a gap of between 5 and 10 mm is provided between the elongate member and the generally tubular outer wall.

In one embodiment, the attachment does not clamp, grip or constrict the hairs that lie between the elongate member and the fluid outlet; hairs can be positioned between the elongate member and the generally tubular outer wall for styling.

Alternatively, the elongate member can grip or clamp hair tips. This embodiment is particularly applicable when the head is bristleless. The elongate member has the gripping function of the bristles.

Preferably, the attachment is adapted to clamp hair. Thus, the attachment holds hair in place for drying and styling.

The invention also provides an attachment comprising an elongate member having a second position with respect to the hot styling appliance. Preferably, in this second position the elongate member is angled with respect to the generally tubular outer wall of the head. Alternatively, the in the second position the elongate member is displaced linearly from the appliance. Preferably, the second position is further from the head than the first position. Thus, a distance between the head and the attachment is larger, bigger or greater in the second position than in the first position.

It is preferred that the elongate member is movable between the first and second positions. Preferably, the elongate member pivots between the first and second positions. Alternatively, the elongate member is displaced towards and away from the head. The elongate member may be placed in a multitude of different positions between the first and second positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate member moves and/or pivots with respect to a cuff for attaching the attachment to the appliance head or body.

Also provided is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member has a first position with respect to the head and a second position with respect to the head and the elongate member is movable between the first and second positions.

Also provided is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member has a first position with respect to the head and a second position with respect to the head and the elongate member is pivotable between the first and second positions.

In one embodiment the elongate member is biased into the second position. Thus without an external force on the elongate member it will be in the second position.

The attachment may be removably or permanently attached to the hot styling appliance.

When removably attached, the attachment is removable for storage purposes as well as during styling; the elongate member can additionally be attached during styling.

In one embodiment, the head is used for creating curls and hair is wrapped around the head for heating, drying and setting into the curled shape. Depending on the preference of the user, the wrapping process can be done with or without the elongate member being attached.

When permanently attached, the elongate member is preferably biased into the second position for wrapping and then moved into the first position once wrapping has been completed.

It is preferred that the movement of the elongate member from the second position to the first position is actuated by the elongate member coming into contact with the users' head. Thus, the elongate member automatically moves to the first position providing protection as a thermal barrier and deflection of the heat during use.

The attachment may be permanently or removably attached having a single position with respect to the hot styling appliance i.e. the attachment is stationary when attached. In this embodiment, it is preferred that a gap of more than 5 mm and preferably around 10 mm. Alternatively a gap of at least 10 mm is provided between the elongate member and the generally tubular outer wall. This provides sufficient space for hair to be manipulated onto the head of the hot styling appliance for styling purposes.

The attachment can be considered to have one or more of an open and a closed position. The open position is when hair is wrapped and released from the head. The closed position can be used for wrapping, releasing and optionally clamping the hair. In the open position the elongate member is either angled with respect to the head or linearly displaced therefrom. In the closed position the elongate member is parallel to the head. Preferably, the attachment is biased into the open position.

The invention also provides an attachment which is rotatably attachable to the hot styling appliance. Again, in this embodiment the attachment is removably or permanently attached to the hot styling appliance. Thus, when hair is being manipulated during a drying and styling process the elongate member may rotate around the generally tubular outer wall of the head.

Also provided is an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the attachment is rotatably attachable to the hot styling appliance.

The rotation of the attachment about the head achieved either automatically by forces exerted onto the attachment for example the elongate member or cuff by which the attachment is attachment to the appliance and/or by manual manipulation.

The attachment is either fully rotatable around the head or partially rotatable around the head.

Preferably, the fluid outlet extends at least partially around the generally tubular outer wall. It is preferred that the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot that extends along the generally tubular outer wall. Preferably, the fluid outlet comprises a plurality of slots extending along the generally tubular outer wall. The slots may be equally spaced around the generally tubular outer wall. The fluid outlet preferably extends orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the head and/or the body. Alternatively, the fluid outlet extends non-orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the head and/or body. The fluid outlet thus spirals or twists around the longitudinal axis of the head and/or body.

Preferably, the fluid emitted from the fluid outlet is attracted to an external surface of the generally tubular outer wall. Preferably, fluid emitted from the fluid outlet flows around the external surface of the generally tubular outer wall. For this kind of head, the hair wraps automatically around the head of the hot styling appliance. It is preferred that there is no clamping of the hair in order for it to be wrapped around the head. However, alternatively the attachment is used to clamp the hair, preferably at the tips, to hold the hair in place for manipulation.

Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment for a hot styling appliance, the hot styling appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall and a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall wherein the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the generally tubular outer wall and wherein the at least one slot is formed by an overlap of a first end of the generally tubular outer wall and a second end of the generally tubular outer wall and wherein the generally tubular outer wall has a radius of curvature, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance extends at least partially along the fluid outlet.

Preferably, the generally tubular outer wall is formed from at least two plates. It is preferred that a first one of the at least two plates comprises the first end of the generally tubular outer wall. Preferably, a second one of the at least two plates comprises the second end of the generally tubular outer wall. It is preferred that the first of the at least two plates defines a radially inner surface of the slot. Preferably, the second one of the at least two plates defines a radially outer surface of the slot.

Preferably, the at least two plates extending longitudinally along the generally tubular outer wall and radially around the tube. Preferably the slot extends longitudinally along the generally tubular outer wall.

It is preferred that the slot is tangential to the generally tubular outer wall. Preferably, fluid exiting the fluid outlet flows along a radially inner surface of the slot. The radially inner surface of the slot becomes the external surface of the head when a downstream end of the overlap between the first end of the generally tubular outer wall and the second end of the generally tubular outer wall is reached. The fluid flows around the head combining with fluid that exits from any further slots which form a part of the fluid outlet. The fluid exiting the fluid outlet is encouraged to follow the line of the radially inner surface creating a flow around the head which pulls hair towards the head and wraps the hair around the attachment in the direction of fluid flow.

Preferably, the head comprises n slots and n plates. It is preferred that one of the first end and second end of the outer wall includes a spacer which defines a thickness of the slot. Preferably, the second end of the outer wall comprises the spacer. It is preferred that a pair of spacers are provided longitudinally spaced along the outer wall. Any spacers maintain the gap between the two parts forming the slot or thickness of the slot.

Preferably, the at least one slot is formed as a spiral around the generally tubular outer wall. It is preferred that the spiral is clockwise in the direction of fluid flow. Alternatively, the spiral is anticlockwise in the direction of fluid flow. Preferably, the slot is disposed at an angle of 1-89° to a longitudinal direction of the head. It is preferred that the slot is disposed at an angle of 10-70° to a longitudinal direction of the head. Preferably, the slot is disposed at an angle of 30-60° to a longitudinal direction of the head. More preferably, the slot is disposed at an angle of 45° to a longitudinal direction of the head.

A curved slot changes the direction that fluid flows out from the fluid outlet tending to give a flow that is more normal to the surface of the head and this improves the hold of the hair around the head.

Preferably, the at least one plate is lined with a material. It is preferred that the material absorbs sounds and/or vibrations. Preferably, the material is Kevlar or wool.

Preferably, the attachment further comprises a cuff for attaching the elongate member to the hot styling appliance.

In one embodiment, the cuff attaches to the body of the hot styling appliance.

In another embodiment, the cuff attaches to the head of the hot styling appliance.

The cuff extends at least partially around the body or head. In the embodiment in which the attachment is fully rotatable around the head, it is preferred that the cuff extends continuously around the head.

Preferably, the attachment comprises a locating feature adapted to cooperate with a corresponding feature on the hot styling appliance whereby the locating feature determines the relative positions of the attachment and hot styling appliance in the longitudinal direction.

This feature enables the attachment to be repeatably located with respect to the hot styling appliance in the same position along the length of the hot styling appliance. Thus, it ensures that a desired length of the fluid outlet is covered by the elongate member. In fact it is preferably that the elongate member extends longitudinally beyond the head of the hot styling appliance.

Thus, a further aspect of the invention provides an attachment comprising an elongate member adapted to extend longitudinally beyond the fluid outlet.

Another aspect of the invention provides an attachment for a hair care appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a radius of curvature fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, and the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance extends along the fluid outlet.

Also provided is a hot styling appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, and an attachment, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet.

Preferably, the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the generally tubular outer wall.

It is preferred that the at least one slot is formed by an overlap of a first end of the generally tubular outer wall and a second end of the generally tubular outer wall.

Preferably, the fluid emitted from the fluid outlet is attracted to an external surface of the wall.

It is preferred that fluid emitted from the fluid outlet flows around the external surface of the wall.

Preferably, the wall is formed from at least two plates. It is preferred that a first one of the at least two plates comprises the first end of the wall. Preferably, a second one of the at least two plates comprises the second end of the wall. It is preferred that the first of the at least two plates defines a radially inner surface of the slot. Preferably, the second one of the at least two plates defines a radially outer surface of the slot.

It is preferred that the wall is formed from at least two plates and the at least two plates extending longitudinally along the tube and radially around the tube.

Preferably, the slot extends longitudinally along the tube. It is preferred that the slot is tangential to the wall.

Preferably, fluid exiting the fluid outlet flows along a radially inner surface of the slot.

It is preferred that n slots and n plates.

Preferably, one of the first end and second end of the wall includes a spacer which defines a thickness of the slot. It is preferred that the second end of the wall comprises the spacer. Preferably, a pair of spacers is provided longitudinally spaced along the wall.

It is preferred that the at least one slot is formed as a spiral around the wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 a shows an example of a hot styling appliance to which the attachment of the invention is attachable;

FIG. 1 b shows a cross section through the hot styling appliance shown in FIG. 1 a;

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show an isometric view and an isometric cross section through a first attachment according to the invention;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show enlarged cross sections through the first attachment;

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c show different orientations of an attachment according to the invention attached to a hot styling appliance;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show different cross sections through the attachment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6 shows an attachment in a second position attached to a hot styling appliance;

FIG. 7 a shows a cross section through an attachment;

FIG. 7 b shows section B of FIG. 7 a enlarged;

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d show different aspects of a rotatable attachment;

FIG. 8 e shows the rotatable attachment of FIG. 8 d in a different orientation;

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c show the rotatable attachment of FIG. 8 a in a different position and/or orientation;

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c and 10 d show an alternative attachment; and

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show the alternative attachment in a different position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show a hot styling appliance 10 with a handle 20 and a detachable head 30 which is attaches at the distal end 22 of the handle 20 to the fluid inlet 40. It is an example of the sort of appliance that the attachment according to the invention can be used with however; the invention is not limited to the attachment being used with this particular appliance. The appliance merely needs a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet a fan unit for drawing fluid into the fluid inlet and a heater for heating the fluid before it exits the appliance.

The handle 20 has an outer wall 26 which is generally tubular and includes the fluid inlet 40 at and adjacent one end 24. The fluid inlet 40 comprises a first set of apertures 44 which extend radially around the handle 20 and along the outer wall 26 of the handle from the handle end 24. The handle end 24 is covered by an end wall 42 which is also perforated with a second set of apertures 46 that extend through the end wall 42 of the handle. Thus, the fluid inlet 40 extends around, along and across the handle 20. The end wall 42 is orthogonal to the outer wall 26 and an inner wall 60 of the handle.

The handle 20 also includes a fan unit 70 which comprises a fan and a motor which drives the fan and in use, draws fluid in through the fluid inlet 40, along a fluid flow path 50 which extends through the length of the handle 20. The fluid is optionally heated by a heater 80 before entering an inner cavity 38 of the head 30.

The head 30 includes a fluid outlet 100 which in this example comprises parallel slots 102 each extending towards a second end 36 of the head and disposed radially around the head 30. This arrangement enables fluid to exit the head all the way around the head and for the majority of the length of the head 30 maximising a hair styling region of the product.

In use, hair is wrapped around the head 30 whilst air or fluid exits through the slots 102 drying the hair and/or styling the hair into curls or waves. The hair wraps automatically due to the flow of air around the surface of the head 30. The air or fluid can be heated but this is not essential.

Power is provided to the hot styling appliance via a power cable 48 which preferably extends from a plug or other power source through the end wall 42 of the handle 20. The handle 20 also houses a PCB 75 which is electrically connected to the cable 48, the fan unit 70 and the heater 80 by internal wiring (not shown). An on/off switch 52 and control buttons 54 are provided and connected to the PCB 75 to allow the user to select one of a range of temperature and flow settings.

The handle 20 is tubular and the outer wall 26 of the handle 20 is a cylindrical sleeve. The handle connects to a head 30 at a first end 22 and at the distal, second end 24 a fluid inlet 40 is provided. The fluid inlet 40 is a first means of filtering fluid that enters the fluid flow path 50.

The fluid inlet 40 comprises a plurality of apertures extending around, along and across the handle 20. Having an inlet that extends in three dimensions has advantages particularly when used with hair grooming appliances. Firstly, if the appliance is placed on a surface whilst switched on only a small part of the inlet surface area will be blocked or have restricted flow of fluid into the appliance. This protects the fan unit and particularly the motor of the fan unit from running with too low a flow rate as this can cause overheating of the motor and cause damage to the motor.

Secondly, often hair care appliances are used with a styling product such as a mousse, gel or spray. These products are typically either applied by a hand or directly to the hair as a mist. After application by a hand, some of the product will be retained on the skin which is then transferred to the appliance when held. This can block at least some of the apertures 44 that extend around and along the handle 20. However, the apertures 46 that extend under the handle and across the end wall 42 of the handle will be unaffected. When a product is applied as a mist, it can settle on the appliance and again block or restrict at least some of the apertures of the fluid inlet 40. However, by having apertures that extend around, along and across the handle 20 the risk of blocking the fluid inlet 40 is reduced.

The apertures are preferably circular with a diameter of 0.2 to 1.6 mm. The diameter of the apertures can vary along, around and across the handle 20. It is advantageous to space the apertures regularly around, along and across the fluid inlet 40. Not only is this visually pleasing but it also has the technical advantage that there is no weak region of the fluid inlet 40 where blockage of a portion is more likely or would have more impact on the flow into the fluid inlet 40. The inlet is designed so that the flow into the inlet is even at least around the circumference of the handle 20.

A foam block 58 is provided which in use is inserted into the second end 24 of the handle 20. The foam block 58 is a second means of filtering the fluid that passes through the primary fluid inlet 40 into the primary fluid flow path 50. It is advantageous that the foam block 58 extends beyond or further towards the first end 22 of the handle than the primary fluid inlet 40 as this ensures that fluid that has entered the primary fluid inlet 40 has passed through the foam block 58 so has had two stages of filtration.

The foam block 58 shown is cylindrical and substantially fills the area within the handle 20 at the primary fluid inlet 40. This is to ensure that all fluid that enters the primary fluid inlet through first apertures 44 that extend around and along the handle and fluid that enters through second apertures 46 that extend across and through the end wall 42 of the handle 20 passes through this second stage of filtration. The foam block 58 extends longitudinally from the second end 24 of the handle 20 further than the first apertures 42 of the primary fluid inlet 40.

The fluid outlet 100 of the head 30 will now be described in more detail, referring in particular to FIGS. 2 a, 2 b, 3 a and 3 b. The head 30 is essentially cylindrical and has a first end 32 for connection to a handle 20 and a second end 36 distal to the first end 32. The head 30 extends longitudinally from the first end 32 to the second end 26 continuing a line described by the handle 20 (FIG. 1 a) so is approximately the same diameter as the handle. Within the head 30 is an inner cavity 38 and fluid that has been drawn into the fluid flow path 50 within the handle 20 by the fan unit 70 enters the inner cavity 38 via an aperture 302 in the first end 32 of the head 30.

The fluid outlet 100 is formed from a number of parallel slots 102 which extend along the length of the head 30 from the first end 32 to the second end 36. The slots 102 are formed from an overlap 120 (FIG. 3 b) formed between adjacent plates 110 which results in fluid being directed between a radially inner surface 104 formed from the outer surface 112 of a first plate 110 a and a radially outer surface 106 formed from the inner surface 114 of a second plate 110 b. The fluid 122 flowing out of the slot 102 is tangential 130 to the outer surface 112 of the plate 110 a and joins with the fluid flowing out of the other slots of the fluid outlet 100 forming a fluid flow around the circumference of the head 30. Thus, the fluid 122 is blown out along the external surface of the head and this encourages hair to wrap around the head 30 automatically.

The plates 110 form an outer wall 184 of the head 30 through which the fluid outlet 100 extends.

The fluid 122 exiting the slots 102 is attracted to the curved surface of the head 30 by the Coanda effect. This in turn causes hair that is presented to the head 30 to automatically wrap around the surface and then styled into curls. As air is blown down the length of the hair, wet hair is dried more quickly than conventionally and as the wrapping process occurs without the use of bristles, the hair can slide off the head 30 once it is dry or styled so there is no tangling.

To maintain the size of each slot 102, spacers 108 are provided. In this example, a pair of spacers 108 is provided to maintain each slot 102 size. Each one of the pair of spacers 108 is longitudinally spaced along the slot 102 and the plate 110. The spacers 108 join adjacent plates 110 together.

Advantageously, each plate 110 is lined with a felt like material 308 such as Kevlar or wool (see FIG. 3 b). The material 308 does not extend over each slot 102 so the fluid exiting the fluid outlet 100 does not pass through the layer of material 308. This layer serves to absorb some of the noise produced by the fluid flowing through the head 30 from the inlet to the head 30 at aperture 302 to the fluid outlet 100. Such a layer of material 308 is as applicable for other heads herein described such as heads 130, 180 and 230.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5 a and 5 b in particular, the attachment 150 includes a heat shield or elongate member 160 which extends along a head 280. The attachment 150 is removably attached to the hot styling appliance 10 via a cuff 170 which locates around the handle 20 near the head 280. The elongate member 160 extends along the length of the head 280 maintaining a constant distance or gap d (FIG. 5 a) between the elongate member 160 and the outer wall 284 of the head 280.

In a first embodiment, the attachment 150 is fixed in relation to the head 280, the gap or distance d is defined so hair can be wrapped around the head 280 either whilst the attachment 150 is attached to the hot styling appliance 10 or hair can be wrapped and then the attachment 150 can be attached to the hot styling appliance 10. In order to achieve both types of functionality, the gap or distance d is around 10 mm. If the gap or distance d is reduced, then the wrapping action of the hair around the head 150 is compromised when the attachment 150 is in place. If the attachment is only to be attached after the hair has been wrapped then the distance d may be reduced to around 5 mm or less.

In a second embodiment, the attachment 150 is movable in relation to the head 280 between a first position shown in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 5 a and 5 b to a second position shown in FIG. 6. In the second position the elongate member 150′ is angled with respect to the head 280 and a gap or distance d′ between the outer wall 284 of the head 280 and the elongate member 150′ varies from the cuff 170 to a distal end 152 of the elongate member 150′. In this example the gap or distance d′ increases to around 10 mm. In this example, a smaller gap or distance d′ can be tolerated near the handle end of the head 232 regardless of whether the attachment is attached before, during or after wrapping of hair as this restricted gap or distance d′ only extends for a short distance along the length of the head 280.

The head 280 of this example differs to the head 30 described in relation to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 2 a and 2 b in that the head 280 has a reduced diameter compared with the handle 20. The first end 32 is substantially the same diameter as the handle 20 for connection thereto, and then within a collar 232 the diameter of the head 280 decreases to the reduced diameter prior to the fluid outlet 200 formed by slots 282 and continues at a constant diameter to the second end 236. This head 280 is used to create tighter curls than head 30.

In addition, the slots 282 curve around the head 280 forming a spiral or helical pattern around the head 280. The slots 282 curve by an angle α of 45° from the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 20 and head 280 (FIG. 5 a). In this example the slots 282 curve in a clockwise direction from the first end 34 of the head 280 towards the second end 236 of the head. The slots 282 are formed as before between adjacent overlapping plates 210 however, in order to form the curved slots 282, the plates 210 do not extend along the longitudinal axis of the head 280 but also curve by an angle of 45°. Using angled slots changes the profile of the fluid exiting from the head. The airflow exiting from the slots is more normal to the slot when angled slots are used. This has benefits including enabling more hair to be wrapped around the head also, the hair is retained on the head more easily leading to a potentially quicker styling process.

The slots can be curved in a clockwise or and anticlockwise direction from the longitudinal axis A-A of the handle 20. Whilst an angle of 45° has been illustrated, improved wrapping is seen even at an angle of 1°.

The attachment 150 is shown as being attached to the handle 20 however it could be attached to the head 280 adjacent the first end 32, adjacent the second end 236 or within the collar 232 of the head 280.

The attachment 150 moves from the first position to the second position and vice versa via a pivot 190. Referring now to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b, an attachment 250 is biased towards the second position by a spring 252 and it is only on application of a force F that the attachment 250 closes or moves to the first position as shown. This force can be applied by any of a number of objects such as a user's head or can be applied manually, for example. The force can be relatively low at a few Newtons. Once the force F has been removed, for example by removing the hair from the hot styling appliance or the or moving the attachment away from the user's head the attachment 250 moves back to the second position by the action of the spring 252 i.e. the attachment opens ready to accept another section or tress of hair for curling.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d attachment 350 has an elongate member 360 which is connected to a cuff 370. The attachment 350 can be stationary with respect to a head and hot styling appliance in a first position as shown where the attachment 350 is generally parallel to the head (not shown), or it can be movable from a first position to a second position where the attachment 350′ is angled with respect to the head (as shown in FIG. 9 a).

In this embodiment, the elongate member 360 is additionally rotatable about an appliance to which it is attached. The elongate member 360 is partially rotatable about an arc described by cuff 370.

The cuff 370 is provided with a channel 372 into which a connecting member 362 for the elongate member 360 is located. In this example the channel 372 and the connecting member 362 are T-shaped and this ensures that the connecting member 362 can be rotated around the cuff without being accidentally removed from the cuff. FIG. 8 e shows the elongate member is a rotated position 360′. The elongate member is rotatable manually or by a radial force FR acting on the elongate member 360′ from the wrapping of the hair.

The rotating aspect can be used on an attachment which is stationary in the first position i.e. only lies parallel to the head when the attachment is attached or, as shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c the rotating aspect can be used in conjunction with the ability to move the attachment from a first parallel position to a second angled position with respect to the head. In order to enable movement between the first position 350 and the second position 350′ the connecting member 362 is joined to the elongate member 360 via a pivot joint 190. The elongate member 360 can be moved to a rotated position 360′ whilst the attachment is in the second position 350′ as well as in the first position 350.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 a, 10 b and 10 c attachment 320 is fully rotatable around the head as the cuff 330 is a complete circle with a channel 332 for a connecting member 362 to move around to a rotated position 360′ as shown in FIG. 10 d. As before, the attachment may be stationary or fixed in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the head or the first position 320 or the attachment is moveable from the first position into a second position where the attachment 320′ is angled with respect to the head (as shown in FIGS. 11 a and 11 b). In order to enable the pivoting movement between the first position and the second position, the connecting member 362 is connected to the elongate member 360 via a pivot joint 380.

In this example, the attachment 320 is attached to a head or body by push fitting the cuff 330 over the generally tubular outer wall of the head or the outer wall of the body. A locating feature such as a recessed groove and correspondingly sized pips can be used to repeatedly position the attachment 320 with respect to the head or body to ensure that a desired length of the fluid outlet is covered by the attachment.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 7 a, the elongate member can be provided with a cool wall which improves thermal shielding by the elongate member. The elongate member 150, 250 is formed as a double skinned wall having an outer wall 154, 254 and an inner wall 156, 256 respectively. An air channel 158, 258 is provided between the respective outer wall 154, 254 and inner wall 156, 256. The air channel 158, 258 is a thermal barrier and restricts the conduction of heat from the hot fluid exiting the fluid outlet to the outer wall 154, 254 of the attachment 150, 250.

A cool wall effect could alternatively be achieved using ribs that extend along the elongate member in any orientation preventing a user from contacting the surface directly.

The attachment can be made from a number of materials such as polycarbonate, PES (Polyethersulfone) or PSU (Polysulfone), Nylon, Glass filled PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate). In one embodiment at least the elongate member s transparent or semi transparent. The attachments have been shown as push fitting or locating onto the appliance however, it will be apparent to the skilled person that alternative methods such as clipping the attachment onto the appliance.

Whilst the attachments have been shown to pivot between positions, as an alternative the attachment is moved parallel the appliance and is displaced towards and away from the appliance.

The invention has been described in detail with respect to a hot styling appliance however, it is applicable to any appliance that draws in a fluid and directs the outflow of that fluid from the appliance including a hairdryer.

The appliance can be used with or without a heater; the action of the outflow of fluid at high velocity has a drying and styling effect.

The fluid that flows through the appliance is generally air, but may be a different combination of gases or gas and can include additives to improve performance of the appliance or the impact the appliance has on an object the output is directed at for example, hair and the styling of that hair.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. 

1. An attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member is wider than the outer wall of the head.
 2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the head is a bristles head.
 3. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member extends around a quarter of the outer wall.
 4. The attachment of claim 3, wherein the elongate member extends around at least a third of the outer wall.
 5. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member extends beyond the generally tubular outer wall.
 6. An attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member extends beyond the generally tubular outer wall.
 7. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is arcuate.
 8. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment comprises a cuff for attaching the attachment to the appliance.
 9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a cool wall.
 10. The attachment of claim 9, wherein the elongate member is formed with a double skinned wall.
 11. The attachment of claim 9, wherein the elongate member comprises an outer wall and an inner wall.
 12. The attachment of claim 11, wherein an air channel is provided between the outer wall and the inner wall.
 13. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is substantially equally spaced from the head along the length of the fluid outlet.
 14. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is angled with respect to the generally tubular outer wall of the head.
 15. An attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet and is spaced from the head.
 16. The attachment of claim 13, wherein a gap of between 5 and 10 mm is provided between the elongate member and the outer wall.
 17. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate member has a second position with respect to the head.
 18. The attachment of claim 17, wherein in the second position the elongate member is displaced linearly from the appliance.
 19. The attachment of claim 17, wherein the elongate member is biased into the second position.
 20. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the attachment is rotatably attachable to the hot styling appliance.
 21. An attachment for a hot styling appliance, the appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the attachment is rotatably attachable to the hot styling appliance.
 22. An attachment for a hair care appliance, the appliance comprising: a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member is wider than the outer wall of the head.
 23. A hot styling appliance comprising a body comprising a fluid inlet, a fan unit, a heater and a fluid flow path from the fluid inlet through the fan unit and heater, and a head comprising a generally tubular outer wall having a fluid outlet extending at least partially along the generally tubular outer wall which in use is in fluid communication with the body providing a fluid outlet for fluid drawn into the fluid inlet, and an attachment, the attachment comprising an elongate member which, when attached to the appliance, extends at least partially along the fluid outlet wherein the elongate member is wider than the outer wall of the head.
 24. The appliance of claim 23, wherein the fluid outlet comprises at least one slot extending along the generally tubular outer wall.
 25. The appliance of claim 24, wherein the at least one slot is formed by an overlap of a first end of the generally tubular outer wall and a second end of the generally tubular outer wall.
 26. The appliance of claim 24, wherein the fluid emitted from the fluid outlet is attracted to an external surface of the wall.
 27. The appliance of claim 24, wherein the slot is tangential to the wall.
 28. The appliance of claim 24, wherein the at least one slot is formed as a spiral around the wall. 